Loud grinding noise from below gear stick!

[Richie83]

So I was driving to work this morning when after going over a slight bump and having to hit my brakes quite firmly there was a constant grinding noise coming from below the gear stick, if I pushed the stick down and wobbled it the noise got quieter then dissapeared and came back again after a few more miles!

Any ideas what this could be ?

Many thanks.

[PeterN]

Sounds like noise being transmitted form the engine, possibly the exhaust is touching the gearbox or there is something jammed in between it and the gearbox.

Peter

[Doggy]

+1

Not sure if your HDi 90 will have a cable or rod type gear linkage - probably rods. If so, something may be rubbing against one of them.

[Richie83]

Ok thanks I will look into that. The gears are very stiff also have been since I've owned the car.

Where would I locate the gear linkage rods?

Thanks

[Doggy]

Have a look at the top of the gearbox. Removing the air box and pushing the air pipe that goes to the turbo aside should improve access.
You'll probably have to unplug the connector from the MAF, (between air box and pipe).